Miscellaneous

🍳 At 28, Tom Earnshaw, now Head Chef at Bohemia since 2025, was named Michelin Guide Young Chef of the Year. Bohemia, Jersey's only Michelin-starred restaurant, retained its star for the 22nd consecutive year. Earnshaw's leadership blends discipline and creativity, championing local produce, sustainability, and team culture. His culinary journey began at 15, shaped by experiences at The Samling, Moor Hall, and Northcote. Earnshaw aims for two Michelin stars, emphasizing mentoring and culinary excellence.

📍 Hong Kong International Airport's Alchemist Café, by Minus Workshop, spans 3,358 sq ft, using HK Tram Green (Pantone 3415 C). Inspired by 1940s tram paint, it embraces local culture with bamboo pavilion micro-zones and a blend of traditional and modern design. Collaborative efforts with Hop Keung and artist Eunis Cheong highlight the decor. Lighting draws from wet markets and vintage items, while flooring showcases "money flower" and tiger tattoo motifs, enhancing the café's local storytelling.

🏨 Helene Okabe's 18-year career at Concord includes leadership in Concord’s Emerging Leaders Mentor Program and cofounding CWomen, an affinity group for women. In 2025, she was promoted to senior vice president. Concord introduced its first NYC properties and launched the first U.S. Canopy by Hilton in D.C. Mentors like Will Loughran and Debra Punke taught her creativity and intentional leadership. Okabe sees progress in female leadership and anticipates diversity growth in 2026 and beyond.

🏡 Located in La Jolla, San Diego, Fleurette is a restaurant designed by Studio UNLTD, showcasing chef Travis Swikard's Southern Californian and French Riviera influences. The venue features a sail-like ceiling, rust-colored steel exterior, and an elliptical travertine bar. The interior includes blue velvet seating, terrazzo floors, and oceanic stone accents. Fleurette offers a glass-enclosed wine room and greenhouse dining area, enhancing the maritime theme with dynamic fabric lighting and intimate dining spaces.

✈️ The U.S. and Israel's attack on Iran is impacting travel in the Middle East, affecting millions, including Indian expats and students. Indian badminton star PV Sindhu was stuck in the Gulf region due to airspace closures, missing the All England tournament. She returned to India by Tuesday, but others remain stranded. Indian airlines are operating special flights and increasing capacity to aid those affected, coordinating with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions.

📚 Lindsey Goedeker highlights her career in hospitality, inspired by her mother and early hotel experiences. Notable moments include attending a 2024 Accor conference in Dubai, transitioning from student to industry participant. In 2025, women held 25% of C-suite roles, with significant appointments like Rosanna Maietta at AHLA. Goedeker calls for addressing the "broken rung" at the managerial level. Looking to 2026, she advocates for diversity, encouraging women to apply for roles and fostering a supportive environment.